Chendamangalam is a
historic village located about 42 Km from Ernakulam town. Chendamangalam is very
much appreciated for its scenic beauty. Chendamangalam is often said to be one
of the best tourist sites in Kerala. Chendamangalam is the location of the
Paliam palace, Vypeenakotta Seminary, and is also remarkable for having a Hindu
Temple, Synagogue, Church, and Mosque, all within one kilometer of each other.
The place is famous for its harmonious religious settings with church, temple,
mosque and the remains of a Jewish synagogue all within the 1 km area.
Chendamangalam has three rivers, seven inlets, hillocks and vast expanses of
green plains. This land was once the abode of the Paliath Achans, the prime
ministers of the Maharajas of Kochi. Their residence, the Paliam Palace
represents the architectural splendour of Kerala. The Palace houses a collection
of historic documents and relics. The hillocks at Kottayi Kovilakom present an
unusual view of the church, temple, mosque and the synagogue. Also interesting
is a visit to the remains of the Vypeenkotta Seminary built in the 16th century
by the Portuguese. Jews lived here in AD 69 onwards and they moved to Fort Kochi
in 1341. Remains of Jewish existence can be seen around Chendamangalam. Remnants
of the famous Seminary of Vaippincotta, (Estd. 1584) conducted by the Jesuits,
for the training of Syrian clerics, can be seen in the premises of the ancient
Church here. The church, established in 1201, was later rebuilt in Portuguese
style. The historical remnants are preserved by the archeological department of
the Central Government of India. Chendamangalam is an attraction for students of
history and for foreign visitors. It was the seat of the king of Christians of
Villarvattom. History records that Archbishop Dr. Menezes of Goa in 1528 visited
vaippincotta and administered confirmation to the faithful.

Location of Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam village is 7 Km. north-east of Parur town which is 35 Km. away
from Ernakulam. Chendamangalam is 14 Kms from Cherai and also 42 Kms from Kochi.

How to Reach Chendamangalam?

Railway Station : Aluva which is 20 kms from Chendamangalam. Ernakulam
is about 42 km away.

Airport : Cochin International Airport, about 20 km from Ernakulam town
towards the north.

Bus: Buses of the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation is available from
Aluva to N.Paravoor. Frequent bus services are available to reach Chendamangalam
from N.Paravoor.

Business in Chendamangalam

Copra is manufactured and exported from Chendamangalam. Chendamangalam is
also well known for handloom weaving and coir making. Chendamangalam is also an
important handloom centre in Kerala. Double dhoti and 'Mundu' and 'Neriyathu'
are famous.The distinction of these fabrics is in its structure in the plain
structure, they have producing a special effect in weft direction.

History of Chendamangalam

Chendamangalam is a historic village with its history more or less related to
Paliam, an ancient Nair family from Chendamangalam. The family tharavaadu is
located in the village of Chendamangalam, in Ernakulam district. Paliam was the
biggest joint Hindu family until partition in 1952. The annual fair called
"Mattachanda" (Barter System) is held on Chendamangalam on the eve of the
harvest festival Vishu in April. The SreeVaikathappan temple is located at
Chendamangalam. There are also othert temples in Chendamangalam namely
Chendrathrikkovu - Sree Krishna Temple, Bhagawathi Temple, Arankavu Subramania
Temple, Ayyappa Temple etc. Other Important Temples nearby include Sree
Bhagawathi Temple, Kodungallur - 11 kms, Sree Rama Temple, Thripayar - 40 kms,
Sree Krishna Temple, Guruvayoor - 55 kms. More tourism projects for
hendamangalam is planned including restoration of heritage buildings of
Paravoor-Chendamangalam Synagogue.

Schools in Chendamangalam

Main schools located in Chendamangalam are Chendamanglam Ghss, Gothuruthu St.
Sebastians Hss, Karimpadom Ddshs, St. Josephs Hs Chathedom Government LPS,
Government Fisheries LPS etc.

Famous People from Chendamangalam

Indian-origin entrepreneur Eliyahu Bezalel, who started as a shepherd in
Israel and went on to become an award-winning agriculturist, has been selected
to receive the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for 2006. Bezalel, who in
1955 left his village of Chendamangalam in Kerala for Israel at the age of 25,
maintains strong sentimental links with his motherland, which he says "taught
him the spirit of co-existence."

Related Chendamangalam Info

Recent Developments in Chendamangalam

Puthenvelikkara, a village in Chendamangalam Panchayat in Ernakulam district,
has set an example for others to emulate by introducing a "new" concept of
processing banana fibres for making attractive and inexpensive handicraft items.
A group of women has set up a unit here to manufacture handicrafts with banana
fibre. It is run exclusively by women. These women are members of the Vegetable
and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam (VFPCK). The women's society known as
`Janani' has set up this initiative.